Dion Dublin, presenter of BBC's Homes Under the Hammer, was left speechless during Friday's episode when a two-bedroom terraced house in Alfreton, Derbyshire, was listed with a guide price of just £29,000 at auction. The 56-year-old former footballer expressed disbelief, double-checking his phone to confirm the figure before exploring the property.
Upon entering, Dublin noted the house was in surprisingly good condition, with bright, dry rooms and high ceilings. He praised the two reception rooms and kitchen, stating little work was needed downstairs. However, he identified a layout issue upstairs, where the second bedroom led into the bathroom, suggesting a stud wall and new door to create a separate walkway.
The property also featured a small yard, decent rendering, and windows. After a pre-renovation valuation, an expert estimated the house could be worth between £115,000 and £120,000 with cosmetic updates, or rented for £550 to £575 per month.
The buyers, Jamie and Naomi, secured the property for £75,000 at auction, with total costs reaching £86,000 after fees. Despite not viewing the property beforehand, Jamie's construction experience gave them confidence. They completed renovations on a £10,000 budget within 8 to 10 weeks, spending £11,200 but recouping £2,000 from selling storage heaters.
After three months, a post-renovation valuation revealed the house could command £130,000 to £135,000, yielding a potential pre-tax profit of £38,000. Rental estimates rose to £700–£725 per month. Jamie expressed delight, saying they had expected £120,000 to £130,000, making the higher valuation a welcome surprise.
